Gujarat High court on 25 July 2015 constituted a
four-member panel to ensure basic amenities like housing and hospital for
labourers at Alang ship-breaking yard in Bhavnagar district following a public
interest Litigation.

The panel will comprise of Secretary of State
Health department as chairman, District Collector of Bhavnagar, Deputy General
Manager of Gujarat Maritime Board and a representative of Ship Recycling
Industries Association of India.

The panel will be directed to examine the aspect
of starting of the hospital at the earliest by Maritime Board itself or through
Employee’s State Insurance Corporation.

The court also asked for a report from the panel
with regard to construction and allotment of 1000 housing units for labourers.
The committee can take help of any government agency. The panel was asked to
submit the report by 5 August 2015.

The PIL was filed by a resident of Bhavnagar
city stating that the laborers at Alang ship breaking yard lack facilities like
proper residential accommodation, hospitals for emergency medical treatment and
sanitation which are guaranteed under the labour laws. The PIL also sought
proper coastal security and control of pollution.